So, you are finally taking that long overdue break and spending some quality time with your girlfriends. Perfect. And at last you are planning to explore the beauty of NE? Even better! Here’s a brief compilation of a few places to go, general information and tips to consider for your all-girls trip to Northeast India!
General Information
All trips into the Northeast begin in Guwahati. Fly down to the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport and make the necessary taxi or local bus bookings. Prepaid Taxis are available on the spot at the Airport, so are shared taxis. Take your pick.
Best Time to go on a road trip: Jan–April (spring) or October–January (winter).
Avoid: Monsoons between end-May and July.
01. For The Road Trippers – Golaghat, Sibsagar and Kaziranga National Park (Assam)
A road trip to Kaziranga from Guwahati, especially after a good rain shower, is something not to be missed. Once you enter the national park territory, keep your eyes open for one-horned rhinos or wild elephants grazing nearby.
To reach the Kaziranga National Park, the nearest airport is in Guwahati (217 km away), about a five-hour drive. You can reach the place by road as well. Board tourist or private buses that run from Kohra, NH 37. My personal favorite place to stay is the Wild Grass Resort. Make sure you try all their homemade pickles and have a filling Assamese meal! Golaghat and Sibsagar are just one-hour drive away. You can keep a day or two aside for sightseeing in these places.
Don’t Miss Out: Garam Paani (natural hot water springs) in Karbi Anglong and the Bio Diversity Park in Kaziranga.
02. For The Foodie and Shoppers’ Soul – Shillong and Cherrapunji (Meghalaya)
Local bakeries to traditional cuisines, Manipuri shawls to handicrafts—Shillong is the one-stop for those wanting to experience and try out local tastes and attires.
If you’re looking for local, traditional handicrafts and souvenirs, head to Barabazaar and Police Bazaar. Barabazaar (also known as Lewduh) is famous for its authenticity and local produce. Managed entirely by women, you can get everything from fresh meat to Khasi peppers.
Cherrapunjii is a mere two-hour scenic drive from Shillong.
Don’t Miss Out: On attending at least one Sunday church service in Shillong, and locally made Khasi and Naga pickles!
03. For The Adventurers – Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang town, more than 10,000 ft. above sea level, is no place for the faint-hearted! From white water rafting to camping, trekking and rock climbing—this is the one destination for ladies seeking an adrenaline rush in the middle of breathtaking scenic landscapes.
Don’t miss Out: The Tawang Monastery—India’s largest Monastery
04. For The Cultural Enthusiasts – Majuli Island, Assam
Majuli Island, in the middle of the Brahmaputra river, holds centuries of Assam Neo-vaishnavite culture, since the Bhakti Movement in its mere1250 sq. km. area. The cultural practices of “Bhaona” (plays) and Sattriya (dance) is a part of every inhabitant’s life on this island.
The most accessible way of getting to this island is via a two-our long ferry ride from Neemati Ghat, Jorhat.
Don’t Miss Out: The festival of “Raas” held in October–November and trying a little homemade rice beer!
05. For the Nature lovers – Mawlynnong and Dawki, Meghalaya
The cleanest village in India, Mawlynnong is a quaint little village that has developed and commercialized with a high influx of tourists. It is about 90km from Shillong and easily accessible with the coming of the new picturesque NH. A day’s excursion from Mawlynnong lies Dawki, 2 km from Bangladesh.
Don’t Miss Out: The Umngot river boat race held during March–April in Dawki.
Tips:
When In North East : Be open to new cultures. If you’re going to NE for the first time, research about the place. People are inquisitive, but extremely hospitable, warm and friendly. Befriend your taxi driver, your hotel staff and other people in charge who can help you out, in case there’s any trouble.
Make Arrangements Beforehand: Golaghat, for the most part, has not been developed in a tourist-friendly way. Make your hotel bookings and your bus tickets. Research is key; this is not your usual backpacking journey. This applies to your wine too.
Know The Socio-Political Scenario: while you chalk out your plan. It never hurts to have the knowledge of the history of the place you visit and know topics to avoid while interacting with the locals.
Anali Baruah
Travel Photographer, solo traveller and cultural Anthropologist in making— three things that defines Anali. Her idea of leisure travels are quite different from those constructed by the travel industry. She enjoys going on impulsive trips across the country, having long winding conversations with travel acquaintances, and taking sneaky, candid pictures of people.
